Secrets of the Lost Village: A Red Riding Hood Mystery is a gripping mystery novella by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. The story takes us to the little village of Woodvale. When residents start vanishing into thin air, horror grips the village, rumors spread, terrified villagers lock their homes, and the mayor and pastor meet secretly to discuss what to do. Convinced that something terrible is happening in Woodvale, an inquisitive young woman, Red Raine, decides to investigate, armed with a protective charm around her neck and a silver dagger concealed in her boot. Her friends, Ian and Serena, join Raine in the investigation that leads them to a mysterious shrine and an ancient curse. But will they unravel who or what is behind these mysterious disappearances? And more importantly, will they survive?

Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.’s Secrets of the Lost Village was a riveting read, and I finished it in one sitting. The spooky ambience of the raging storm and ominously rumbling thunder that served as the backdrop for the story's events, Raine and her friends’ discoveries of mysterious artifacts, encounters with supernatural creatures, and magical combat kept me turning the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the show-don’t-tell, cinematic quality writing that created suspense and intrigue. In addition, the mind-twisting mystery blended with nail-biting horror made this story unputdownable. And the spectacular encounter with the witch truly blew me away. If you like mysteries where things aren't what they seem, and secrets lurk around every corner, you will love this fabulous novella. It also makes a perfect Halloween gift or read.

Three teens must band together to fight a terrifying darkness encroaching on their village in Secrets of the Lost Village: A Red Riding Hood Mystery by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. Something dark has been hidden in the shadows of Woodvale for years. When villagers begin to disappear, Raine, an adventurous teenager with more questions than answers, decides something must be done. But the villagers are too afraid to act. Searching for answers before more people disappear and the darkness takes over, Raine gathers forces of her own: Ian, her best friend, and Serena, an unlikely comrade. Determined to find the mysterious source of darkness and the ambiguous threat, the three set out to save the village. Will they succeed before it’s too late? How high will the cost be of fighting against the unseen dark forces?

Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.’s Secrets of the Lost Village is an exciting retelling of a classic fairy tale. The dark, stormy atmosphere the author sought to create was the perfect setting for this young adult short mystery. I appreciated how, despite their youth, the characters were determined and chose to face the painful past and battle the village’s shadows, risking their own lives. The plot was well-planned, and the story slowly unfolded, subtly presenting the stakes. The mysterious clues and short dialogue added to the sense of suspense and were masterfully used to mirror the atmospheric shadows in the story. This novella is a light read and perfect for teens and young adults.